The privately owned Scottish infrastructure group said it expects to take turnover in the North West of England from £18m to £55m within five years, and has hired Carl Wilde from Seddon to lead the regional charge.

Wilde joined Robertson as regional managing director, based in Oldham, in February after 18 years at Seddon.

Wilde said: “I came to Robertson because I liked the history of the business. I’ve always worked for people with strong family values and that’s something Robertson has in droves.

“Robertson is a massive name North of the border and it has ambitions to become just as big in England. And I believe that we can do that.

“My appointment is one of a few recent senior hires in the north of England, which shows just how serious the business is about sustainable growth.

“We’re already winning work that would have in the past, gone to someone else. But it’s coming to us because we have the right people in place with the correct expertise.”

Andy McLeod, managing director of Robertson Construction England, said: “I am delighted that we’ve managed to get Carl on our team. He’s a well-established operator and is the perfect person for the job.

“We’ve known each other for a long-time so I know what he’s capable of. He’s a wonderful addition to the Robertson family.”